Want to get beyond single step math word problem key words?  This One Step Word Problems All Operations Game is the perfect math key word activity.  Identifying operations in mixed word problems can be so tricky!  This game removes the “solve” part of the process, giving kids the confidence they need to tackle many word problems in a short amount of time! 

Perfect for math intervention, whole group instruction, or math centers, this Choose the Operation Word Problems Game includes 10 rounds so students can enjoy it again & again!

This word problem includes: 

 ✅ Game Implementation Guide

 ✅ 10 Game Mats

 ✅ 10 decks of 8 Word Problem Cards (80 unique problems)

 ✅ Answer Key for Easy Self-Check

Note- this game includes whole number word problems only! Looking for fraction or decimal word problems? Sally's got you covered!

Choose the Operation Word Problems Bundle

See why over SEVEN HUNDRED teachers are using this Choose the Operation Word Problems game in their classrooms!

• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This resource is so helpful to my students that struggle with word problems! It is so much more than keywords!” -Katie S. 

• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I used this for one of my math centers. It gave the students an opportunity to discuss their reasoning behind choosing an operation. I will be using it again!” -Julie S. 

• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was a great way for them to see and compare the language for each of the operations, and caused them to look closer at what needed to be done to solve each problem. I will definitely be using this again.” -Victoria C. 

• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great resource for students to practice choosing which operation to use. Easy to print and prep for centers.”  -Katie L.

I hear it from teachers ALL. THE. TIME …

“My students know how to multiply and how to divide with fluency, they just don't know WHEN to use each operation! They are excellent at solving word problems when we are working on one specific operation, but when all operations are mixed up, it's a disaster!” 

How can I use this Word Problem Game?  

• Math centers
• Small group remediation 
• Tutoring or homeschool 
• Partner work
• Whole group activity (with class discussion after each round) 
• Independent Practice
• Take-home activity (students can even glue the word problems and bring them back) 
• Challenge for early finishers 

How does this activity help students with identifying operations in word problems? 

• As teachers, we know that solving a word problem and choosing the operation for a word problem are two very different skills. It’s one thing to be able to multiply, but it’s quite another to know WHEN to multiply. 
• This Choose the Operation Word Problems game narrows the focus.  By removing the “solve” part of the equation, students can get much more practice in a short amount of time.  This allows them to master the skill of “identifying operations in word problems.” 
• Built-in scaffolding means that in the early rounds, students are just choosing between two commonly mixed-up operations (Addition vs. Subtraction, Multiplication vs. Division, or Addition vs. Multiplication).  Then in later rounds, students must choose between all 4 operations. 
• The more students play this game, the more they begin to notice patterns when identifying operations in word problems- for example- “I’ve noticed that the two quantities in multiplication problems do not have the same label, but in addition problems they usually do!”  You will be amazed by what your students notice! 
• Early finishers can always go back and solve the problems! 

Do your students SHUT DOWN when they see word problems? 

Mine too!  This game makes word problems feel less scary.  It removes the barrier to entry because students know they don’t have to solve them.  They don’t even have to write anything.  They simply have to sort the word problems into categories.  The early rounds only ask students to choose between two operations.  This built-in scaffolding builds confidence and makes word problems feel more manageable to kids, especially to those who typically struggle identifying operations in word problems! 

What grade levels is this Choose the Operation Word Problems Game intended for? 

This game is designed for 4th & 5th grade, but could easily be used as a review for any middle school (or even high school) math classroom.  Have you ever had a group of students who were just crushing it at word problems?!  Yeah, that’s what I thought…

Did you know this Choose the Operation Word Problems Game has a digital version? 

❤️❤️ Choose the Operation Word Problems Game for Google Drive ❤️❤️

Save money when you buy a game bundle: 

• ⭐️⭐️Choose the Operation Word Problems Bundle (includes Fraction & Decimal Word Problems) 
• ⭐️⭐️Fourth-Grade Math Games for the Entire Year 
• ⭐️⭐️Fifth-Grade Math Games for the Entire Year

Need more to help with identifying operations in word problems?
Sally’s got a ten-day word problem unit for you! 

4th Grade Choose the Operation Word Problems Worksheets Bundle (Over 80 Pages!)

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